1931 - 2024
Visitation
September 3, 20242-5 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex Street, N. Chelmsford 01863
Funeral
September 6, 20241:00 P.M.
Pine Ridge Cemetery, 130 Billerica Road, Chelmsford
Leon Richard Podgur, 93, of Arlington, MA, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. He was born in Williamsport, PA, the son of Jack Podgur and Bernice Eaton.
He married the beloved Patricia A. Neal on September 23, 1967.
Leon graduated from Arlington High School in 1950 and later from the Lowell Institute of Preparatory Subjects. In 1951, Leon joined the US Army where he proudly served as a Sargent in Korea.
For 17 years Leon ran Leon Richards Hair Salon in Wilmington, MA., before joining the US Postal Service from which he retired in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of successful fundraising activities benefitting families in need.
Leon loved listening to Jazz with some favorite artists being Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Rich, Dave Brubek, and Louie Bellson. He enjoyed building model cars, gardening, and bowling, and was an avid New England sports fan, with a particular fondness for
Ted Williams, Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havliceck, and Bobby Orr.
Besides his wife, Leon is survived by his son, Richard Podgur of Concord, MA; his daughters, Jennifer Burt and her husband Eric of Dover, MA, and Lisa Podgur and her husband Christopher Biggin of Austin, TX; his step grand children, Nicole, Betsy, Brooks and Emily, his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Podgur of Nashua, NH and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Donald L. Podgur, who passed away on January 8, 2022.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 2-5PM at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA. Graveside funeral service Friday, September 6, 2024 at 1PM at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association in Newton, MA.
ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Gregory J Smull
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Best wishes to his family in coping with the loss of their beloved Leon. Uncle Leon was a great human being. I was glad to get to know him. He was always cracking jokes and keeping the atmosphere light. He was quick to lend a helping hand and thought of himself last instead of first. When visiting him and Aunt Patty we always left with smiles on our faces. He will be missed, but we are left with fond memories of him which speaks to his character.
Rich
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Thank you, Greg. We appreciate you and your kind words. Much love to you and the family. – Rich
Hannah
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Leon was an ever present figure when I was growing up in Chelmsford.
He, Pat, Rich, Jennifer and Lisa lived across the street for many years. I would often see him smiling as he washed the car, mowed the lawn or simply got out of the car to get into his house. Always happy and with a kind hearted joke and good word, and inquisitive as to how you were doing, he will definitely be missed. Although I haven’t seen him in several years, the memory of having him as a wonderful and caring neighbor will stay with me forever. All my love and best wishes and comfort to Pat, Jennifer, Lisa and Richard.
Rich
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Super sweet, Hannah. Thank you. Love right back – Rich
Walter and Vee Zagrobski
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Dear Jen and Podgur Family,
So sorry to learn your Dad ultimately lost his long battle. I know you all fought the good fight with him until the end. He sounds like quite the man and we’re sorry we never had the pleasure of knowing him, although we feel like we knew him as it seems he passed along many of his admirable and endearing traits to you! May he finally rest in peace.
Love,
Walt and Vee
The MacLean FAmily
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Allan, Jeff and I send our loving thoughts to you Pat, Richard, Jennifer and Lisa.
Leon was a wonderful human being and lived a life much to be admired and emulated. He was a devoted and loving husband throughout your long successful marriage and such a great partner in raising your three loving and accomplished children. How can you beat that? Allan and I so enjoyed your company – you could not find kinder or happier friends to be with. There were so many dinners, St Patrick’s Day parties and family events together! Leon’s smile will always be with us.
Doug &Dawn menken
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We are so sorry to hear about uncle Leon. Sorry we couldn’t make it.our condolences to the whole family. Our kids will always have the great memory of him reading the Christmas book to them every year.
Cathy O'Donoghue Bastien
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Dear Jenifer ,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. CJ Mom, cathy